New York 2008: Scion Hako Concept

The Scion Hako concept is one of those designs that those who went to art school love, and those who didn't can't wrap their heads around. Designers look at the scandalously upright and narrow greenhouse sitting atop bulged fenders, and instantly know that Scion's draftsmen wanted to evoke the look and aggressive nature of old T-buckets and hot rod culture while creating a symbiosis with modern shapes and environmental impact. The average person looks at it and sees a Pinewood Derby car with its wheels nailed directly to the brick of balsa wood, which was then painted orange.

Because it's a Scion, it's designed for the youth market. And because it's designed for the youth market, it has lots of LCD screens. Four of them, one located on each door and headrest, allow passengers to play video games while rolling. There are also in-dash video screens to let drivers and passengers know that there is a sad mountain on the other side of the record player, because someone left some bombs from Super Mario Bros. in front of him. Also, that Murdoc from Gorillaz's thumb and some angry-looking ghost clouds are rising from the very earth beneath it. Or something like that.

"This concept is the sporty version of a box," says Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. "This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be." Read all about where there brand should be after the jump.

NEW YORK 03/19/2008 -- "Scion's Hako Coupe Concept embodies a distinct global perspective on today's youth," said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. "This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be. We took the xB's iconic boxy shape and explored something more vivacious, yet just as emotionally appealing. This concept is the sporty version of a box."

Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car's geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako's aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals.

The Hako's silhouette is accentuated by slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors that also feature integrated turn signals. Powerful, flared fenders add dimension and contrast to the concept's boxy shape and smooth surface planes. The Hako concept hugs the road with custom 18-inch deep dish five-spoke wheels and tires with a "Scion" custom tread.

The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.

The orange driver's seat has a gaming theme. Instrumentation and warning lights cascade from the art inspired instrument panel to the steering wheel. The shifter, located on the center console, resembles a large joystick. On the steering wheel is a simple button to start the engine and a track-ball type control for the Hako's entertainment system located on the passenger dash. The entertainment system consists of two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. Users can upload their videos and music through a Bluetooth® connection. The front passenger controls the system using a large rollerball mounted on the center of the dash. A black seat differentiates the front passenger area.

Video monitors located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project distorted fish-eye images from orange filtered cameras mounted beneath the A-pillars. While the vehicle is parked the driver and passenger can edit the scenes captured by the cameras to show their friends where they have been and perhaps even post the clip online for others to see.

"As you know, polarizing style fits in well with our lineup," said Hollis. "And of course we love a good box. We'll listen to the feedback from this concept to help us determine how our brand could evolve and grow over the next five years."